What is Collagen?

Collagen is the natural protein support layer that lies just beneath your skin. The wearing down of the natural collagen that is inevitable as you age causes facial lines and wrinkles. Creams can moisturize or exfoliate the surface of your skin, but they cannot diminish the wearing away of the underlying collagen support layer.Collagen Replacement Therapy (CRT) is a safe, nonsurgical treatment that smoothes out facial lines, wrinkles and scars by replenishing the natural collagen layer beneath your skin. The results from a collagen replacement therapy treatment may be seen immediately. Collagen is the primary component of the dermis, and the support structure for your skin. Your skin is composed of two layers. Your skin is your body's largest and most visible organ.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the uppermost layer of skin. This acts as a protective barrier against the elements. The epidermis controls the loss of water from cells and tissues. Without the epidermis, your body would dehydrate.

Dermis

The dermis the second layer of skin, which lies just beneath the epidermis. This layer is composed primarily of the protein collagen. Collagen forms a network of fibers that provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. As the primary component of the dermis, the collagen acts as the support structure for your skin.

Why do winkles appear?

When skin is young , the collagen framework is intact, keeping your skin moisturized and elastic. Young skin is resilient, the facial lines that appear when you smile or frown simply disappear when you stop smiling or frowning. Over time the collagen framework weakens and your skin loses its elasticity. Older skin is less resilient, so the lines that appear with a facial expression do not disappear when you stop smiling or frowning

COLLAGEN / FAT INJECTIONS QUICK FACTS*

Procedure: Plump up creased, furrowed, or sunken facial skin; add fullness to lips and backs of hands. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin.

Length: 15 minutes to 1 hour per session. [Depending on the Surgeon]

Anesthesia: Collagen: usually none; local may be included with the injection. Fat: local.

In/Outpatient: Outpatient.

Side Effects: Temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess fullness.

Risks: Collagen: allergic reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible triggering of connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases. (A skin test is required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy exists.) Both: Contour irregularities, infection.

Duration of Results: Variable; a few months to 1 year.

*From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org